Base models can be fun,if your realistic

The good thing about the musclecar era is just about every model that people would give blood and a first-born child for were option packages on a standard model. Even "Stand Alone" models-were based on something. The GTO may have been a separate model, but it's based on the LeMans. Ditto for the 442/ Cutlass, Plymouth GTX/ Satellite, Super Bee/ Coronet, etc. If your on a tight budget, a base model may be the way to go. You may not be able to afford a Trans-Am, or Formula 400 / 455, but there are hundreds of thousands of Base model Firebirds and Firebird "Esprit" models that are dirt cheap. Most of these built from 1970-76 had 350 Pontiac V8s under the hood. ( See "The other 350s" post for performance tips ). The good thing about Pontiacs is the engines are externally identical from a 326 to a 455. This means you could literally bolt a 400 or 455 in place of the 350 with minimal hassle. Some "Esprit" models of this period had 400s as options. Some 77-79 models might have the anemic 301 Pontiac-( The motor mounts and the bellhousing pattern is the same, so a 400 will still swap in, but unlike the 350s, the 301 heads, intake, exhaust manifolds, etc are different and don't interchange with the 326-455 stuff ) Some "California" and high altitude models may have 350 Chevys. Then you basically have a Camaro. The performance potential of these cars is limited only by your wallet and imagination. The only downside is don't expect Trans-Am money when you try to sell it. The same goes for 2 dr Chevelles and Malibus, Cutlasses or LeMans models. The GM A-body is a great base for a driver, drag racer, NASCAR tribute, autocross ( Yes, GM engineered an awesome chassis all those years ago, and there are factory and aftermarket suspension parts that make them handle like Porsche 911.)  Again Don't  expect SS 396 or GTO money when you sell it. mastermind